NZ, India to double two way trade, agree to Indo-Pacific maritime security cooperation
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Following a welcome ceremony at Government House, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have agreed to aim to double two-way trade as part of an upgraded Strategic Partnership.
Having touched down in Auckland overnight, where he then met with Luxon, Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell and members of the Indian diaspora amid heightened security, this morning Modi - the first Indian PM to visit NZ in 40 years - was welcomed with a pōwhiri and guard of honour ceremonies at Government House.
Following a bilateral meeting, Luxon and Modi issued a joint statement highlighting the two countries’ ambitions to do more together by elevating their relationship to a Strategic Partnership.
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“This is a major step in the relationship between New Zealand and India, and signals our shared ambition to do more together,” Luxon said.
A Roadmap to 2030 for the Strategic Partnership includes a goal to double two-way trade by 2030.
The roadmap, which includes elements of trade and investment, also includes a significant focus on maritime security, including the newly concluded Maritime Cooperation Arrangement between the two defence forces.
“New Zealand’s prosperity and security depend on a stable and secure Indo-Pacific,” said Luxon.
“That’s why we are stepping up practical cooperation at sea and deepening how we work together and share perspectives on maritime security.”
The prime ministers also agreed to hold regular reciprocal visits and meetings between the respective prime ministers and ministers, including on the sidelines of regional and multilateral events.
The two countries already share a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, which includes engagement at Defence levels.
According to a statement released post bilateral, “India welcomed New Zealand’s nomination of maritime security as its priority pillar under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, and both sides agreed to explore specific cooperation activities under this pillar.”
Defence and security cooperation would include continuing to pursue military interaction via exercises, visits of units (maritime, air, land), short-term personnel exchanges, sporting visits, defence staff college exchanges, and high-level defence dialogues.
Central to the strategic direction is the implementation of the previously announced New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement.
The FTA will reduce or eliminate tariffs on 95% of New Zealand’s exports to India once fully implemented. From day one, 57% of exports will be tariff-free.
Modi’s busy Saturday schedule will include meetings with business leaders, a meeting with Opposition leader Chris Hipkins, before an event at Spark Arena, organised by the Indian High Commission, which is expected to attract thousands of people.